The Direct Drive project was a completely new trainer platform, designed and engineered in-house to bring a more accessible price point to the Saris indoor-training lineup. It also presented an opportunity to evolve the Saris design language around simplicity, refinement, and the realities of how the product would be used and stored in the home.

Because an indoor trainer spends much of its time unused, I wanted it to feel less like sporting equipment and more like a sophisticated piece of home technology. The visual inspiration came from high-end speakers and gaming consoles—products that combine strength and performance with an appearance suitable for a living space. This allowed the trainer to remain visible rather than needing to be stored away after every ride.

The design balances large, sweeping surfaces with precise technical details. The broad forms create soft gradient shadows that give the product a refined presence, while the smaller details add depth and a premium feel when viewed up close. Folding legs reduce its footprint when not in use, and the large central handle is positioned near the center of gravity to make lifting and carrying easier.